Paul A. Theis, 81, journalist, GOP official

Paul A. Theis, 81, journalist, GOP official

Paul A. Theis, a former journalist and Republican Party official who served in the Ford administration, died of complications from heart surgery March 24 at the Washington Hospital Center. He was 81.

Born in Fort Wayne, Ind., Mr. Theis graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1948 and received a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Services in 1949.

He also attended American University’s Graduate School of Communication from 1949 to 1952.

As a B-17 combat pilot in World War II, he served with the 15th Air Force in Italy, receiving the Air Medal and the European Theater Ribbon with six battle stars. He held the rank of major in the Air Force Reserve.

A former Washington correspondent for Newsweek and other publications, Mr. Theis served as public relations director of the National Republican Congressional Committee from 1960 to 1974.

He joined the White House staff in August 1974, shortly after Gerald Ford was sworn in as president. Mr. Theis led four divisions: speechwriting, presidential messages, research and correspondence. He also was a member of the D.C. Republican Committee for more than 20 years and a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1984, 1988 and 1992.

His book “Devil in the House,” was published in January. He also co-authored the 1972 book “All About Politics” with William Steponkus.

In January 1976, Mr. Theis was named by Mr. Ford as deputy undersecretary of agriculture for congressional and public affairs and served in that capacity during the remainder of the Ford administration. He then joined the House Agriculture Committee, where he served as a staff consultant from 1977 to 1981, and on President Reagan’s Agriculture Department transition team from 1980 to 1981.

Mr. Theis in 1981 founded Headliner Editorial Service, a District-based firm offering editorial and speechwriting services for business, government and political clients. He led the firm until his death.

Mr. Theis was a member of the National Press Club for more than 50 years, the Capitol Hill Club, the Cosmos Club, and Notre Dame and Georgetown’s alumni associations. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Council No. 11487 Knights of Columbus and an active member of St. Thomas Apostle parish in the District.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Nancy; and a son, Mitchell Theis of the District.

Norman H. Bryant, 86,ex-Pentagon worker

Norman H. Bryant, a former employee at the Pentagon, died Feb. 25 of natural causes in his home in Lake Ridge, Va. He was 86.

Born in Knox, Maine, Mr. Bryant worked in his family’s dairy business before graduating from Freedom Academy.

He was a debate scholar at the University of Maine and came to Washington in 1942 to serve at the Pentagon in the Army Air Corps. He served for 45 years, primarily in the Office of the Secretary of the Army.

Mr. Bryant was a 50-year resident of the District and a member of the National Presbyterian Church since 1942.

He was an avid writer and student of theology. He devoted his final years to teaching in prisons and nursing facilities, and participating in conferences on moral character, integrity and prudent living.

He is survived by two sisters, Ruby Harris of Portland, Maine, and Wilburta Clark of Yarmouth, Maine.

Mr. Bryant was buried in Gettysburg, Pa.